ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Many United States of America (USA) Presidents visit Africa, in the 8th year of their last term.

In the Virgin Islands (VI), Africa was seen as the forgotten land.

There is little to no tourism outreaches to Africa, little or no trade and no established relationships such as a VI Office there, like in London, Asia or a New York City Tourism Board Office.

Opportunity

Outgoing Premier, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL)—who is leaving Office as soon as he has the courage to dissolve the House of Assembly—has announced he will be going to Africa on a “trade mission.”

The former Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Dr Smith, will be leading a 2-week, ‘Trade Mission’ to Africa, from November 5, 2018, to November 16, 2018, and will cover three countries and four of Africa’s major business hubs namely: Cape Town, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya; Abuja, Nigeria and Lagos, Nigeria

This, according to a Government Information (GIS), Press Release.

Long time Interim Executive Director of BVI Finance, Ms Lorna G. Smith, OBE—Dr Smith’s wife—said, “we have set our sights on Africa for quite some time now as it represents a major opportunity for our financial services industry.”

According to Ms Smith, “we are therefore very much looking forward to taking our message, to the governments and business centres, where we can work effectively to develop relationships that will benefit all…We are very pleased to be able to make this visit to further strengthen the profile of the BVI in Africa.”

What is the cost?

It is unclear the cost of the trip, or what is to be accomplished, but Premier Smith, will be accompanied by a VI Finance team as well as the Africa Expert Network (AXN)—the VI Finance’s consultants for the mission.

The NDP, known for their many globetrotting and high priced trips all over the world, noted this is another mission similar to the Asia Trade Mission and encompasses high-level meetings with government officials, private sector meetings including with relevant associations and three mini-conferences to be held in Cape Town, Nairobi and Lagos, the release stated.

Creating Value

A report commissioned by the BVI Finance centre—a Government Agency—said that the VI is a major financial services jurisdiction, which facilitates cross-border trade and investment, which is central to the continuing growth and development of the African continent.

According to the Capital Economics report, ‘Creating Value: the VI’s global contribution,’ the Territory mediates considerable foreign direct investment into developing countries, including many African nations.

This trip is just to rip off taxpayers for him and who is encouraging him to go. Greed and corruption are destroying this little country. Tome to put a stop. Such a trip when the country is in need of being repaired from the hurricane. Look at our schools, look at government buildings. So many people suffering.

Some e tra fans would be the best thiìng richt now at the Hifh S hool the children are suffering so much because of the heat one fan in one class room asthmatic children start missing out on classes please Mr Education Minister let the Premier use some of that trip money and help our children they are frustrated but pride is what keeping them from not collapsing and to make matter worat they cant have a bottle of water in their bag unless it's in a drinking water bottle from home what if the child need the water immediately to save his life?

This government is determined to sink the country before they leave office.
There is NO business to be had in those countries.
I have been on projects there before and they all ended badly. Those countries can make money disappear so fast that the airline fiasco will look like a bargain!

I doubt you have any clue how many Virgin Islands incorporated companies are set up for business in Africa.
Nor, more importantly, how many could be. The latter being the opportunity.
Africa’s population will dwarf that of most other continents soon; it’s economies are booming. The Virgin Islands, whose economy is principally based on exporting corporate services (not tourism!) would do well to pay attention to Africa.
Good luck Dr. Smith on your planned visit.

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